When it was invented, the Stirling engine was seen as something revolutionary, a true candidate to replace steam engines. At that time it was proven that its applications were not so wide, but over the years it received very interesting optimizations, and today it is known as a monument to efficiency. We can buy scale models for less than 30 euros, but what about building one at home? You'll need few materials, and it's not very expensive...
A Revolutionary Idea
“Regenerative closed-cycle heat engine.” That description doesn't tell us much, but when we replace it with “Stirling engine,” the situation changes. We've usually seen it turned into a toy, an ornament that reacts to small heat sources, even our own hands. That ability to work with such low temperature differences is both a strength and an Achilles' heel at the same time, but we can't stop studying and admiring its operation.
How It Works
In very relaxed terms, the Stirling engine is divided into two zones (hot and cold) by a regenerator usually made with some porous material. The fluid (gas) moves from the hot zone to the cold one during work cycles, passing through the regenerator. This combination of heating, cooling, compression, and expansion forms the essence of the Stirling engine. That said... why not build one? It's easier than it seems.
Building Your Own
This design uses the body of a glass jar, but I imagine it won't be hard to find a substitute, and to be honest, it doesn't even need to be transparent. The caps on both sides of the cylinder are made with an aluminum-copper alloy (“Duralumin” is just a trade name) 0.3 millimeters thick. Something similar happens with the piston: “Penoplex” is one of the many trade names for extruded polystyrene. The piston must fit into the cylinder and leave a margin of about two millimeters for its free movement.
The rest is a matter of sealing absolutely everything with silicone, connecting a tube to the outlet on one of the caps, and placing liquid in the tube (water is enough). A little fire to start the movement, and that's it: a variant of the Stirling engine shaped like a pendulum. If the Stirling engine bug bites you and you want to see other designs, I warn you you'll have your hands full for a while. From complete kits to improvised models with soda cans, everything goes.
More DIY Projects
Otherwise, don't miss other DIY projects we've shared. LED flashlights, ecological bricks, and more!
https://old.neoteo.com/como-construir-un-candado-de-carton-el-paso-a-paso-para-construir-un-candado-video/
